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Avoid mangling your metaphors

I’ve previously written about figures of speech and rhetorical devices. When used correctly, these phrases help us paint word pictures, adding depth to our messages. When used incorrectly, the results can be confusing and unintentionally humorous.

“I conclude that the city’s proposal to skim the frosting, pocket the cake, and avoid paying the fair, reasonable, and affordable value of the meal is a hound that will not hunt." (a quote from a Boston Globe article, May 8, 2010)

Here’s a closer look at two figures of speech that end up mangled quite frequently—similes and metaphors.